Greek Mountain Tea / Ironwort

Some people claim that it was named after the iron (Fe) it contains. Others claim that it’s because of its ability to heal wounds caused by iron weapons during battles. There is also the opinion that the name stems from the shape of the sepal which resembles the tip of a spear. The origin of the name of Sideritis may not be clear, but it is certain that Sideritis beneficial properties are considered to be numerous and widespread.

 

It has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, meanwhile its use strengthens without irritating the neural system unlike other beverages, for reference, coffee or tea, due to the lack of caffeine.

 

Sideritis scardica is recognized by the European Medicines Agency as a traditional herbal medicinal product used for the relief of cough associated with cold and for the relief of gastrointestinal discomfort.

 

Recent research conducted at the University of Magdeburg by Prof. Dr Jens Pahnke, showed that Sideritis can mitigate the effects of Alzheimer.

 

As part of a healthy diet, Sideritis contributes to the prevention of the appearance of cancer and a proof of good health. It also strengthens the immune system of the human body.

Ingredients
2 tbsp of mountain tea
250ml of water
Honey or sugar, cinnamon (optional)

A refreshing brew to enjoy either on a cold winter night or on a hot summer day.
Enjoy!

Hot tea
Preparation Time : 2 minutes
Steeping Time: 5-6 minutes
Total Time: 8 minutes

Steps to Make it
Put the water in a coffee pot and remove it from the stove before it boils.
Add the mountain tea and cover the pot for about 5-6 minutes.
Strain and pour the tea in a cup. Add honey or sugar and some cinnamon for flavor.

Ingredients
4 tbsp of mountain tea
250ml of water
Honey or sugar, cinnamon (optional)

Iced tea
Preparation Time: 2 min
Steeping Time: 6-8 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Steps to Make it
Put the water in a coffee pot and remove it from the stove before it boils.
Add the mountain tea and cover the pot for about 5-6 minutes.
Strain and pour the infusion in a shaker. Add 3 large ice cubes, a tsp of honey, some cinnamon and shake it well.
Pour the mixture in a glass with ice cubes, it is preferable to add a slice of lemon for more taste.

Ingredients
1 1/2 cup self-raising flour
1/2 cup milk (room temperature)
1/2 cup mountain tea brew (room temperature)
1 large egg
2 tbsp melted butter
2 tbsp sugar
Pinch of salt
Extra butter for cooking

Mountain tea syrup
2 cups of mountain tea (Sideritis Scardica)
1 cup of brown sugar
1 tsp lemon juice

What better way to start your morning than an easy pancake recipe with our own Greek twist?
Delicious, filling pancakes with the smell and taste of Greek nature. The flavor in its finest!

Method
Prepare a strong brew of mountain tea. Mix the egg, sugar and the salt in a bowl and stir well until it fizzes. Add the milk, the prepared mountain brew tea, the melted butter and continue stirring. Finally, add the flour and stir until the mixture is smooth.
Let the batter stand for a few minutes 5-6 min.
Grease a non-stick pan with butter, heat pan on medium. Add a ladle of batter (or more if your pan is big enough), cook until bubbles appear on the surface of the pancake. Flip carefully and continue until both sides are golden brown. Serve immediately with sideritis syrup.

Sideritis Syrup
Place the ingredients in a saucepan. Stir, let the syrup boil for 10-15 minutes or when it is slightly thickened.

English